“Kindness” — The Life-Enriching Power Embodied in Two Characters

Hello. I’m calligrapher Shourin Iwasaki.

Today, I’d like to introduce a work featuring the two characters “親切” (Kindness).

With powerful brushstrokes that weave gradations of ink, each stroke carries my thoughts, creating a piece that seems to breathe on the paper.
While “Kindness” is a word we use casually in daily life, when we pause to reflect on its true meaning, we discover a profound light that illuminates our lives.

＼　岩﨑翔凛のSTORESはこちら！　／

The True Meaning of “Kindness”

“Kindness” means putting yourself in another’s position, acting with compassion, and dedicating your heart to them.
If you look it up in a dictionary, you’ll find meanings like “to interact intimately” and “to spare no effort for others’ sake.”

Examining the etymology of this word, “親” (shin) means “to be intimate” or “to draw close,” while “切” (setsu) means “to press near” or “to fit perfectly together.”
In other words, “Kindness” is about empathizing with another’s heart, sensing what they truly need, and acting accordingly.

In modern society, we tend to prioritize efficiency and results.
However, isn’t the most important thing in human relationships the invisible “exchange of hearts”?
The hand offering a cup of tea, the courage to speak to someone in trouble, the gentleness of guiding someone who is lost—these small acts of kindness accumulate to warmly color our daily lives.

Words and Phrases Using “Kindness”

The word “Kindness” combines with various expressions to deepen its meaning further.

The four-character idiom “親切丁寧” (Shinsetsu Teinei – kind and courteous) expresses meticulous consideration and politeness.
You can visualize how the feeling of caring for others permeates every aspect of one’s words and behavior.

“親切心” (Shinsetsu-shin – a kind heart) is the pure desire to do something for others.
It is the very essence of human beauty, transcending calculations of gain and loss.

There’s also the expression “to intimately cherish.”
To interact with genuine intimacy—this involves not superficial association, but a deep communion where souls touch one another.

Thoughts Conveyed in Each Brushstroke

When creating this work, I wanted to express both the warmth and strength that the word “Kindness” holds.

Before taking up the brush, I first calm my mind.
Then I entrust to the ink everything—the wisdom of our ancestors embedded in this word, the gentleness I’ve received from others in daily life, and the compassionate heart I wish to extend to others.

The character “親” (shin) opens like a welcoming embrace.
The character “切” (setsu) reaches so that sincerity touches the other’s heart.

Stroke by stroke, regulating my breath, I moved the brush as if in dialogue with the paper.
The gradations of ink, the dry brush effects, the bleeding—all of these speak to the rich expressions contained in the word “Kindness.”

Words That Cultivate the Heart in Your Space

Calligraphy is not merely about writing characters beautifully.
It has the power to visualize the essence of words and work upon the hearts of those who view it.

Imagine if these two characters “Kindness” were in your room or office.
Seeing these characters in the morning might inspire you to be kind to someone throughout the day.
On a tired evening, seeing these characters might remind you of the small kindnesses you received that day.

Words cultivate our hearts.
The words we see every day gradually but surely change our thoughts and actions.

View My Daily Works on Instagram

As a calligrapher, I engage with various words daily and create works.
“Gratitude,” “Hope,” “Courage,” “Harmony”—words that enrich life. Words that evoke the changing seasons.
And words carrying messages we need as we live in the present.

Each work includes my thoughts during creation, the background of the words, and explanations of calligraphic techniques.
I hope you’ll experience the profundity of calligraphy, the beauty of kanji characters, and the power that words possess.

If you follow me, words and moments to center your heart will reach you in your daily life.
In the midst of busy days, even for just a moment, to pause and take a deep breath—I would be delighted if my works could create such moments for you.

＼　岩﨑翔凛のInstagramはこちら！　／

My Online Shop Has Opened

And now, I’m pleased to announce that I’ve opened an online shop for my calligraphy works on STORES.

You can acquire various works including “Kindness,” which I introduced today.
They’re perfect not only for displaying in your home or office but also as gifts for loved ones.

Housewarming celebrations, business openings, birthdays, milestone anniversaries—giving meaningful words at life’s turning points.
This is about sharing spiritual richness, different from material abundance.
I believe these become gifts that continue to accompany the recipient’s life.

Each work includes detailed descriptions of size, framing options, and the meaning of the words.
I also accept inquiries and custom order consultations, so please feel free to contact me.

Try keeping the word “Kindness” in your heart today.

Being kind to someone.
Noticing kindness from others.
And being kind to yourself as well.

A chain of small kindnesses makes this world warmer and more beautiful.
Believing this, I will continue to write each character with all my heart.

May you find words that resonate with your heart among my works.

＼　岩﨑翔凛のSTORESはこちら！　／